APD | Samsung to supply 5G network equipment to Japanese firm

By APD writer Alice

South Korea’s Samsung Electronics Co. will supply fifth-generation (5G) network equipment to KDDI Corp., a major telecom company of Japan, as South Korea's top tech firm expands its presence in the sector.

Along with Finland's Nokia Corp. and Sweden's Ericsson, Samsung has been selected by KDDI as the main 5G vendors for next-generation network deployment in Japan, according to industry sources.

Samsung didn't reveal the value of the deal, but industry insiders speculate that it could reach $2 billion for the next five years.

The deal follows Samsung Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong's visit to Japan in May where he met officials from Japanese mobile carriers to seek business opportunities in the 5G network market.

Samsung also has been a long-time partner to KDDI, previously supplying 3G and 4G LTE network equipment to the Japanese firm.

KDDI expects the first live commercial 5G services to be available from March 2020.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)